They sign a historic agreement to implement financial education in public schools.

Chamber of Commerce leads interagency and multisector alliance to fulfill the law mandating financial education as an essential component of Puerto Rico’s public school curriculum

San Juan, Puerto Rico – February 17, 2025 — Representatives from six key entities in Puerto Rico signed a collaborative interagency and multisector agreement to implement Law 85-2018, establishing a solid framework to integrate financial education as an essential component of the public school curriculum across the Island. This historic agreement formalizes the joint commitment of the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce (CCPR by its Spanish acronym)), the Department of Education, the Public Corporation for the Supervision and Insurance of Cooperatives of Puerto Rico (COSSEC), the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions (OCIF), the Puerto Rico Society of Certified Public Accountants (CCPA), and PR Education Initiative (PREI) in support of the future of Puerto Rico’s children and youth.

“At the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce, we recognize that financial education is a fundamental pillar for the economic and social development of our Island. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to leading this multisector effort, convinced that building a culture of responsibility, planning, and innovation—supported by financial tools and knowledge—is key to strengthening future generations. Through this initiative, we aim to promote productivity and informed decision-making regarding savings, investment, credit, and entrepreneurship, which will undoubtedly contribute to Puerto Rico’s prosperity and economic development”, stated Margaret Ramírez Báez, Esq., CCPR President.

The signing of this agreement represents a significant milestone for Puerto Rico’s socioeconomic development, as it responds to the mandate of Law 85-2018, which assigns the Department of Education the responsibility of incorporating financial education into the school curriculum. Collaboration among the public, private, and nonprofit sectors will strengthen students’ financial competencies, laying the foundation for a more informed, responsible citizenry prepared to face the economic challenges of the 21st century.

In turn, Secretary of Education Eliezer Ramos Parés highlighted: “This agreement is key to providing financial knowledge to our schools across the seven educational regions, beginning with a pilot program that will train teachers through the Financial Education Teaching Academy and measure its real impact in schools. We are committed to an evidence-based model, continuous training, and progressive expansion, with the goal of reaching all of Puerto Rico. I deeply thank everyone who contributed to this collaboration, which demonstrates that when we share knowledge, we multiply opportunities”.

The agreement establishes the creation and implementation of the “Financial Education for All” program, which includes teacher training through the Financial Education Teaching Academy across the seven educational regions, as well as a pilot program for measurement and evaluation. Overall coordination and oversight of the execution plan will be led by the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce, serving as the central coordinating body and ensuring compliance with established objectives. Under the agreement, the CCPR will lead overall coordination, ensuring effective communication and logistics among all parties. The Department of Education will formalize and facilitate curriculum integration and teacher participation. COSSEC will provide resources on the cooperative system and personal financial values. OCIF will supply materials promoting responsible use of the financial system. The CCPA will serve as the technical teaching body, developing and reviewing educational manuals and resources, while PREI will ensure the quality of professional development for educators and issue valid certifications for teachers.

COSSEC President Mabel Jiménez Miranda stated: “This agreement allows us to bring financial education directly to where it is most needed: schools, communities, and other educational environments where future decisions are shaped. Timely guidance, delivered with clear and accessible information, can make a real difference in the lives of students, families, and communities in Puerto Rico”.

OCIF Commissioner Mónica Rodríguez Villa added: “Through this collaboration, OCIF reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the stability of Puerto Rico’s financial system and protecting financial consumers. Financial education continues to be an essential tool for preventing economic losses and strengthening public trust”.

Meanwhile, CCPA President CPA David Rodríguez Ortiz noted: “At the Puerto Rico Society of Certified Public Accountants, we recognize the importance of financial education from an early age for the comprehensive development of our students and the strengthening of Puerto Rico’s economy. As part of this collaborative agreement, our members will serve as trainers in financial, accounting, and tax matters, as well as reviewers of educational manuals and support materials. Our commitment is to ensure strong financial instruction that equips future generations with the tools needed to make responsible economic decisions and achieve financial success”.

All signatory parties agree that this agreement marks the beginning of an educational transformation with long-term impact on Puerto Rican society. The pilot program will be implemented in at least one public school per region, generating evidence to support the gradual expansion of the curriculum across the Island. The agreement will remain in effect through December 31, 2027, and may be amended with the consent of all parties. With this agreement, Puerto Rico positions itself at the regional forefront of school-based financial education, embracing collaboration and institutional dialogue as the path toward a stronger future.

Finally, Dominique Gilormini De Gracia, Executive Director of PREI, stated: “As Chair of the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee and Executive Director of PREI, I see this collaboration as an exemplary model of how the public and private sectors can unite around a common goal: the success of our students. While the law mandates financial education, our collective commitment ensures positive and lasting results. PREI validates and supports this joint effort to equip every student with the skills needed to navigate the 21st-century economy.”

About the Chamber of Commerce:

The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization with a business-oriented perspective that represents a wide range of commercial and industrial sectors—whether large or small enterprises—with multisectoral representation aimed at strengthening economic development and progress. Its mission is grounded in the principles of free enterprise to ensure business certainty and improve the quality of life for all Puerto Ricans.
The organization also serves as the voice of business in Puerto Rico, representing all commercial, industrial, and professional activities, as well as those that form the fundamental base of the Puerto Rican economy.For more information, visit camarapr.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Media contact:

Karen Garnik, APR, Fellow PRSA – 787-502-2424
karen@globalvisioncomms.com

Isadora Hernández- 787-310-3807
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mailto:isadora@globalvisioncomms.com

Wilnelia Dávila – 787-547-0282
wdavila@prma.com
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